(VUS.10) Warren G. Harding – “A Return to Normalcy”

Warren Harding’s administration envisioned America returning to the pre-war greatness. Plagued by scandals and corruption, none directly connected to Harding, America withdrew to a state of isolationism – and ushered in the decade known as “The Roaring 20’s”

4th Apr, 1921

No League of Nations – return to isolation (VUS.10a)

In his address, Harding assures the nation that the US would not join the League of Nations. The Senate had already voted against the Treaty of Versailles, and this ensured America would return to isolationist tendencies for the next several decades.

19th May, 1921

Immigration Restriction Act (VUS.8a)

Responding to the growing anti-immigrant sentiment, Congress passed the Immigration Restriction Act which greatly reduced the number of immigrants permitted to come to the US. Fear of anarchists and communists, overpopulation in urban centers, labor surplus and general prejudice fueled the xenophobia. This law would effectively cut off immigration for several decades. MORE

27th May, 1921

Tariffs go up – return to isolation (VUS.10a)

Passing the emergency tariff act of 1921, this is going to reduce trade with Europe which was reeling from the effects of the post war depression. MORE

30th Jun, 1921

Harding Appoints William H. Taft as Chief Justice to Supreme Court

Taft becomes the only person who served as President AND Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. “Big Bill” likely preferred this position to the presidency – MORE

2nd Jul, 1921

Harding signs resolution to end War with Germany (VUS.9b)

The failure of the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles by the Senate, the US issued a separate peace agreement with Germany and the Central Powers that was much less punitive and did not include membership in the League of Nations. Still wearing his golf clothes, Harding signed the measure and announced the war was officially over.

7th Apr, 1922

Teapot Dome Scandal Begins

Involving conspiracies, secret land deals and lots of money, this scandal would tarnish Harding’s administration as his cabinet and family members conspire to graft. Leading to resignation by several high ranking officials, the scandal was never linked to the President himself. MORE

2nd Aug, 1923

Death in office

Harding dies of complications due to pneumonia. He was on a good-will speaking tour of the West when he contracted food poisoning, then pneumonia, then collapsed due to his grueling schedule. Harding, like Ulysses Grant, is best remembered for the corruption and scandals that went on around his administration. MORE

Timespan Dates:

Timespan Title:

Timespan Description:

4th Mar, 1921to2nd Aug, 1923

Warren G. Harding Administration

Warren Harding’s administration envisioned America returning to the pre-war greatness. Plagued by scandals and corruption, none directly connected to Harding, America withdrew to a state of isolationism – and ushered in the decade known as “The Roaring 20’s”